Can I talk to the judge about reducing or eliminating the suspension of driving privileges?

In Underage Drinking cases, many people are willing to accept responsibility for the alleged offense and simply want to reduce or mitigate the penalties. A common scenario that arises in State College Underage Drinking cases involves a Penn State student that has never been in trouble before, was cooperative with the investigating police officer, has made the Dean’s List every semester, has a high grade point average, and appears before the judge at the hearing to admit guilt and then ask the judge to reduce or eliminate the license suspension. This attempt for leniency may result in a reduction of the fine, but it has no impact on the suspension of driving privileges. Regretfully, the judge is bound by law to impose the license suspension if the person is convicted of Underage Drinking. In the common scenario, the person asked for leniency after admitting to having consumed alcohol while being under 21. The judge uses the admission to find the Penn State student guilty of Underage Drinking, and, based upon the conviction, the judge is required to send forms to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to facilitate the suspension of driving privileges.

The suspension of driving privileges is mandatory, meaning the judge does NOT have any discretion to reduce or avoid the suspension of driving privileges. The only way to avoid the suspension is to resolve the case in a manner that does not require the judge to contact the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. A conviction or acceptance of most first-time offenders programs will result in the suspension of driving privileges and will count as a first offense if the person is charged in the future with Underage Drinking. State College Underage Drinking attorney Jason S. Dunkle has provided successful representation in Penn State Underage Drinking cases. Call J.D. Law at (814) 954-7622 for a FREE CONSULTATION.